LA United Film Festival Kickoff Party

April 17, 2008

By Shane Morton

LA United Film Festival kicked off its festivities with a kick ass party thrown at the Gibson Musical Instruments Showroom in Beverly Hills.  Creator and Producer of the event Jason Connell was on hand to make some introductions and keep the night happening.

There were a lot of filmmakers in attendance.  In particular I got to meet Shane MacDougall the director of WEINER TAKES ALL and Richard Kraft the director of FINDING KRAFTLAND.  These were two of the people that I came to meet tonight.  Look for interviews with them to make it onto the website soon, as well as interviews with Jason Connell (STRICTLY BACKGROUND and The festival director ) and Sean Tracey (JESUS GUY).  I am sure that we will meet some more of the filmmakers during the festival.

A DJ was spinning some great tunes and there was a funny master of ceremonies LA Comic Sal Rodriguez.  He kept trying to give away the schwag at the bottom of the stage sweetly sponsored by a large group of festival sponsors.  Drinks for the evening were provided by P.I.N.K. and Pyramid Breweries.  I had a tasty LAUFF cocktail.

There was a lot of press running around, too.  The Hollywood Reporter was there, mic in hand.  He looked like he was enjoying himself.  How could you not.  The scene was busy and happening with a lot of people mingling and talking film.  Wonderboy Jason Connell, knows what he is doing.  NYUFF was a big hit, and our reporter in NYC Marleah Martin raved about the festival.  With a very smart line-up of films on hand.  I think that you will be seeing a lot more of Jason Connell in the years to come.  He might just be able to make this one of ‘THE’ festivals to be at!  It couldn’t happen to a nicer person.  Not to mention the very friendly staff.  The entire evening rocked!  Here are some more pics of the night, below.  I wish I could have stayed longer, but alas someone has to get some work done around here haha!

These two beautiful girls are the first people you see as you come through the door.

Mingle

And more mingling.